We all remember it. November 9, 2016: The mood in IHS that day was characterized by a complete lack of optimism for the future among most students, for many of whom it was the first time experiencing the loss of a presidential candidate they supported. Almost half a year later, major developments have occurred in D.C., including the establishment of a new cabinet, the confirmation of a Supreme Court Justice, and major proposed cuts to the budgets of agencies such as the EPA in favor of increased military spending. However, also present so far in the administration has been vocal opposition to all of these actions. While some of those who dislike Trump have taken matters into their own hands and become more politically engaged, others have entered a state of complacency since the election, opting to give up efforts to stand up for what they believe in. To those angry with the administration who seem to think that nothing they can do will matter, I would argue that the political liberalism that most Ithacans favor has had a number of victories already, in what so far has been a presidency characterized not by what Trump and his party have done, but by opposition in the form of an increasing number of Americans getting up and taking a stand for what they believe in.
As early as January of this year it became clear that protests and demonstrations would be a powerful tool for change in the new era. On January 21, the day after the inauguration, millions of people around the country were involved in large organized demonstrations. This alone seemed to have impacted Trump, whose staff went to great efforts to deny the fact that the crowds of protesters in Washington greatly outnumbered those at the inauguration the day earlier. More significantly, the millions of people marching showed how powerful communities can be when rallied together for a common cause. While January 20 marked the start of Trump’s presidency, the 21st was the beginning of a movement that has already (and hopefully will continue) to shape government policy.
At this point in the administration, the influence that the resistors possess can no longer be denied. When Trump issued executive orders restricting immigration in ways some judges saw as unconstitutional, those judges took a stand for what they believed in. When the GOP announced their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act, enough people contacted their representatives and showed they cared to successfully prevent the repeal, despite the Republican majority in both houses of Congress. When scandals arose surrounding advisors to the President on issues of national security, enough people spoke out to cause those advisors to be removed from their positions. Throughout these past few months, the influence of those who have said enough is enough and spoken out against problems with the administration has been unequivocally clear, leaving no excuses for those trying to justify their inaction.
In the months since the inauguration of Donald Trump, those unhappy with the administration have been able to make their voices heard such that even with the White House, Supreme Court, and both houses of Congress being held by the GOP, legislation and executive orders in favor of what is not supported by the majority have failed to pass. The Trump administration has been so heavily shaped by activists, protesters, and people simply telling their representatives that there is no excuse for idle hopelessness. To those unhappy with the administration who have stayed silent, I remind you that you have not only a right but a responsibility to take a stand for what you believe in.